universe

[yoo-nuh-vurs] /ˈyu nəˌvɜrs/
noun
1.
the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
2.
the whole world, especially with reference to humanity:
a truth known throughout the universe.
3.
a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails:
his private universe.
4.
Also called universe of discourse. Logic. the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.
5.
Also called universal set. Mathematics. the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.
6.
Statistics. the entire population under study.
Origin of universe
1325-75; Middle English < Old French univers < Latin ūniversum, noun use of neuter of ūniversus entire, all, literally, turned into one, equivalent to ūni- uni- + versus (past participle of vertere to turn)
Related forms
subuniverse, noun
superuniverse, noun
British Dictionary definitions for universe of discourse

universe of discourse

noun
1.
(logic) the complete range of objects, events, attributes, relations, ideas, etc, that are expressed, assumed, or implied in a discussion

universe

/ˈjuːnɪˌvɜːs/
noun
1.
(astronomy) the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space
2.
human beings collectively
3.
a province or sphere of thought or activity
4.
(statistics) another word for population (sense 7)
Word Origin
C16: from French univers, from Latin ūniversum the whole world, from ūniversus all together, from uni- + vertere to turn
Word Origin and History for universe of discourse

universe

n.

1580s, "the whole world, cosmos," from Old French univers (12c.), from Latin universum "the universe," noun use of neuter of adj. universus "all together," literally "turned into one," from unus "one" (see one) + versus, past participle of vertere "to turn" (see versus). Properly a loan-translation of Greek to holon "the universe," noun use of neuter of adj. holos "whole" (see safe (adj.)).

universe of discourse in Science
universe
  (y'nə-vûrs')   
The totality of matter, energy, and space, including the Solar System, the galaxies, and the contents of the space between the galaxies. Current theories of cosmology suggest that the universe is constantly expanding.
universe of discourse in Technology

ontology
In ontology, the set of all entities that can be represented in some declarative language or other formal system.
Each entity is represented by a name and may have some human-readable description of its meaning. Formal axioms constrain the interpretation and well-formed use of these names.
(2005-07-29)